Elsholtzia communis

Family: Lamiaceae

What it is like

A herb. It grows to 60 cm tall. The stems are erect and purple red. There are many branches at the base. The leaf stalk is 2-5 mm long. The leaf blade is oval to oblong and hairy. There are teeth around the edge. The flower spikes are at the top of the plant. They are 1-4.5 cm long.

There are about 40 Elsholtzia species. It is used in medicine.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It is cultivated in China.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, China, India, Indochina, Myanmar, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The leaves are cooked with meat and fish for flavouring curry.

Leaves are sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Leaves - flavouring

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Ji long cao, Leng-ser, Lengmasel

Synonyms

Dysophylla communis Collett & Hemseley;